plate no. 2994

Ataturk

Nuri Iyem, 1999

oil, fiberboardSocial Realismportraitportraitfacemaneyesfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle variations in skin tone and using brushstrokes to define form. It also provides practice in achieving a likeness through careful observation and color mixing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic proportions and placement of the facial features.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of yellow ochre.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face using a limited palette of browns, whites, and blues.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in hue and value.
step 05
Define the eyes, nose, and mouth with more detail, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Add highlights to the eyes, nose, and forehead to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Refine the edges and contours of the face, softening or sharpening them as needed.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as necessary to achieve a likeness.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red light · raw sienna

Mix various shades of skin tone by combining white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of blue or red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create grays for shadows.

techniques